The 2021 NJCAA Region 3 golf season got under way Saturday as Tompkins Cortland Community College hosted the Panther Invitational at Elm Tree Golf Course in Cortland. The host team fielded two golfers for the event, which also served as this year's Mid-State Athletic Conference championship tournament. Jefferson Community College won the team event, but Tompkins Cortland's Madison Kelly (Moravia/Moravia H.S.) captured the women's individual championship.

Kelly, making her competitive golfing debut, had a solid round. She finished with a score of 125, which was third overall among women, but tops among women from MSAC schools. She is the second consecutive Panther to win the MSAC women's title, following in the footsteps of Mackenzie Constable, who brought home the trophy in 2019. The 2020 season, including the MSAC championship was cancelled.

On the men's side, David Benjamin (Cortland/Cortland H.S.) was the lone Panther to tee it up. He finished just outside of the top ten, carding an 88 on the par 71 course. The winning score was at even par, with the top ten scores stretching from 71 to 87.

Looking ahead

The Panthers take part in the Mohawk Valley Community College tournament Friday.

Panther Invitational Results, Elm Tree Golf Course, Par 71